Polar Bears Sweltering in Tropical Heat

Suarez Circus

The polar bears are filthy, with stained, matted fur. Some are thin with protruding hipbones.

A polar bear suffering from a skin disease and another with a lump on his head.

Some bears suffer from arthritis. Crippling injuries are common in animals forced to perform difficult tricks.

They pant constantly from the intense heat and humidity.

Under stress, the bears are fighting with each other. The polar bear climbing the steps was attacked five times during two performances by two different bears.